Respiratory protective equipment types

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION CONCENTRATION RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT < 5.2 (as mixture i.e., 3.7 mg/m3 DETA and 1.5 mg/m3 EGME)NIOSH approved full face piece respirators with an organic vapor canister will be on hand for escape. (M9, M17, M40 series gas masks are acceptable for this purpose. Other masks certified as equivalent maybe used.) NIOSH approved escape type SCBA can also be used >5.2 or concentration unknownNIOSH approved full face piece pressure demand SCBA. Or NIOSH approved full-face piece positive pressure, supplied-air respirators with auxiliary SCBA... 

As indicated above, the type of respiratory protective equipment to be used depends, among other factors, on the nature of the hazard. 

Some types of expls and tracers or igniter compns give off toxic fumes when destroyed by burning. Proper respiratory protective equipment, such as hose masks, airline masks, and self -contained breathing apparatus should be worn where such fumes are likely to be encountered... 

The fact that these concentrations have been measured does not mean that occupational exposures occur persons may use respiratory protection equipped to prevent exposure. All persons who have excessive occupational exposure to isocyanates may experience primary irritant effects in the respiratory tract depending on the extent of excessive exposure. Brief accidental exposures to concentrations of isocyanates tenfold or more above the TLV may cause short term respiratory irritation with recovery 24-48 hours following cessation of exposure. Continuing repeated workday exposures several-fold higher than the TLV can cause chronic respiratory irritation. All individuals will not suffer the same degree of respiratory irritation from excessive exposures due to individual biochemical and physiological differences. Studies have shown that on the order of five percent of persons who have had an occupational exposure to TDI develop a bronchial asthmatic type of response to subsequent exposures that are below concentrations causing any detectable primary irritation. 

Respiratory protection is of primary importance since inhalation is one of the major routes of exposure to chemical toxicants. Respiratory protective devices (respirators) consist of a facepiece connected to either an air source or an air-purifying device (cartridge or filter). Respiratory protective equipment can be categorized into three types ... 

Personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment designed to protect against exposure by inhalation is known as respiratory protective equipment (or RPE). Such equipment should not be used as a long-term method of ensuring that exposures are reduced to acceptable levels. This is because it is prone to mechanical failure and human error. RPE may be used appropriately for specific short-term operations (e.g. some maintenance tasks) where it is not practicable to reduce exposures to acceptable levels by other means. It may also be of value in emergency situations. Positive pressure breathing apparatus (line fed or self-contained) is preferable to canister-type respirators. For RPE to be effective when required, it must be adequately maintained and personnel fully trained in its use. 

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is the only type of respiratory protective equipment suitable for emergency or rescue work. Untrained personnel should not attempt to use them. 

An evaluation of the advisability of the worker using a respirator, because the use of certain respirators places an additional burden on the cardiopulmonary system. It is necessary for the attending physician or other licensed health care professional to evaluate the cardiopulmonary function of these workers, in order to inform the employer in a written medical opinion of the worker s ability or fitness to work in an area requiring the use of certain types of respiratory protective equipment. The presence of facial hair or scars that might interfere with the worker s ability to wear certain types of respirators should also be noted during the examination and in the written medical opinion. 

Application—Usually this type of respiratory protection equipment is used where there is exposure to solvent vapors or dust and particulate matter, as with sandblasting, spray coating, or degreasing. They may not be worn in IDLH atmospheres. 

Figure 16.12 Types of respiratory protective equipment, (a) Fiitering haif mask (b) haif mask reusabie with fiiters ...

Within these classes there are many different sub-classes of RPE and it is important to choose the correct type of equipment based on a risk assessment. A British Standard gives guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment. From the risk assessment, it is necessary to decide whether to use a respirator or breathing apparatus. The minimum protection required for the situation then needs to be considered ... 

This chapter discusses the types of equipment most commonly used for protection of the head, including eyes and ears, and the torso, arms, hands, and feet. The use of equipment to protect against life-threatening hazards also is discussed. Information on respiratory protective equipment may be found in Title 29, CFR, Part 1910.134. The standard should be consulted for information on specialized equipment, such as that used by firefighters. 

In the case of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), be of a type approved by or conform to a standard approved by HSE. 

In circumstances where respiratory protective equipment is used it is essential that appropriate equipment is selected, and a wide range is currently available in the United Kingdom. Selection of the most appropriate type of equipment for a given situation will... 

Respirators This includes dust masks, as well as other types of respiratory protective equipment). Because all respirator users must participate in NJIT respiratory protection program, you must call H ES if you think you have a need for respiratory protection. 

Several types of respiratory protective equipment may have the necessary ratio of assigned protection factor to nominal protection factor when predictions and/or measurements have been made of the physical form and concentration of contamination in the workplace. The choice could include all types of respiratory... 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Acid-vapor-type respiratory protection rubber gloves chemical worker s goggles other equipment as necessary to protect skin and eyes Symptoms Following Exposure Inhalation irritates mucous membranes. Contact with liquid causes severe bums of eyes and skin. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth and stomach General Treatment for Exposure Get medical attention following all Exposures to this compound. 

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